andythefilmer
Veteran
I am currently the owner of a DVX100b and a 7D. Of course, they both have their plusses and minuses, and I have decided that I need a new camera that isn't a DSLR, that does HD and has a file-based workflow. I have narrowed down my choices to either a HVX, HMC150 or saving up for an AF100. I am currently in production of a documentary, and I also shoot long events, commercials, and music videos.
New HVX's sell for around $3800, but I am sure I could find a better deal with some P2's thrown in. If not, I would need at least 32GB worth of P2's... This would all end up to be in the mid-$4000's. I like the codecs, but they are more data-intensive, and the P2's cost more.
The HMC150 is a fairly decent camera from what I've heard. The thing that makes me skeptical is the codec. I have heard some complaints on the codec, but overall, I think it would be fine. The camera is cheaper, and the recording media is far cheaper. One downside, though, it that you can't hot-swap. That is a feature I love about the HVX, because if I had two cards, and I needed to record something long, then I could continue to record while I dump the other one.
Finally, there is the critically acclaimed AF100. Though it won't be available at my doorstep for another month or so, it may be worth the extra cost and wait. It has an almost 35mm sensor, removable lens mount, with support for nearly any lens, and it also has some other cool stuff thrown in. It too has the AVCHD codec, but it has two SD card slots. The thing that would draw me away is the fact that I would need to spend over $300 to mount my Canon EF lenses and be able to control iris, remotely control focus, etc. Also, you are pretty much forced to have shallower DOF, unless stopped way down. This would almost always be an upside, but sometimes, for certain shots, it is undesirable.
In the end, the shallow DOF wouldn't be enough to sell me on the AF100, especially since I can get a good camera for cheaper. I have used the HVX and HMC150 before. I can't judge the HMC too much, but I had an HVX for several days, and it was phenomenal! I am posting this in the threads for all 3 cameras, and I want to know which one would be the best suitor.
My budget is currently around $3000-4000, which is why I would rather not get the AF100 (yet). Any other camera options? I would prefer to stick to Panny, but there are other cameras by other manufacturers.
New HVX's sell for around $3800, but I am sure I could find a better deal with some P2's thrown in. If not, I would need at least 32GB worth of P2's... This would all end up to be in the mid-$4000's. I like the codecs, but they are more data-intensive, and the P2's cost more.
The HMC150 is a fairly decent camera from what I've heard. The thing that makes me skeptical is the codec. I have heard some complaints on the codec, but overall, I think it would be fine. The camera is cheaper, and the recording media is far cheaper. One downside, though, it that you can't hot-swap. That is a feature I love about the HVX, because if I had two cards, and I needed to record something long, then I could continue to record while I dump the other one.
Finally, there is the critically acclaimed AF100. Though it won't be available at my doorstep for another month or so, it may be worth the extra cost and wait. It has an almost 35mm sensor, removable lens mount, with support for nearly any lens, and it also has some other cool stuff thrown in. It too has the AVCHD codec, but it has two SD card slots. The thing that would draw me away is the fact that I would need to spend over $300 to mount my Canon EF lenses and be able to control iris, remotely control focus, etc. Also, you are pretty much forced to have shallower DOF, unless stopped way down. This would almost always be an upside, but sometimes, for certain shots, it is undesirable.
In the end, the shallow DOF wouldn't be enough to sell me on the AF100, especially since I can get a good camera for cheaper. I have used the HVX and HMC150 before. I can't judge the HMC too much, but I had an HVX for several days, and it was phenomenal! I am posting this in the threads for all 3 cameras, and I want to know which one would be the best suitor.
My budget is currently around $3000-4000, which is why I would rather not get the AF100 (yet). Any other camera options? I would prefer to stick to Panny, but there are other cameras by other manufacturers.
